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Note: Building permit fees increase by 3% on January 1, 2026
Projects that require a building permit
For a more detailed list on when a permit is or isn't required, please reference our comprehensive, but not exhaustive guide.
Projects that do not require a building permit
You will need to meet zoning regulations even if your project does not require a building permit.
For a more detailed list on when a permit is or isn't required, please reference our comprehensive, but not exhaustive guide.
Need help?
Get assistance setting up an account or using the Application Portal.
You must fill out our permit application form Before submitting, please refer to the digital permit standards which explain how to prepare your digital drawings and documentation files for the application.
If you are not the property owner, an owner's authorization form will be required.
| Type | Description |
| Add a dwelling unit | Choose this for adding an apartment, accessory unit, basement apartment, granny suite to an existing house, apartment building or accessory building. Learn about Accessory Apartments. |
| Addition |
Choose Addition-Residential when adding any addition to an existing house, apartment building or motel/hotel. Examples also include; attached garage/carport, sunroom, adding additional storey(s). Choose Addition-Non Residential when adding any addition to an existing non-residential structure. |
| Alteration or renovation | Includes but not limited to; interior finish, alteration, interior gutting, repairs to building envelope, fire damage repair, vehicle impact repair, fire alarms, fire code retrofit, sprinkler systems and electromagnetic locks. |
| Change of use | When the changes of the use of the building mean an increase in hazard for the purposes of section 10 of the Building Code Act. This could be to the entire building or part of the building. Some examples are converting residential to office, converting a retail store to a restaurant. Even if no construction is proposed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit is required. |
| Deck, porch, ramp, balcony, walk-up | When only a deck, porch, ramp, balcony or walk up is being constructed choose this application type. If you are completing renovations, an addition or new construction and a deck, porch, balcony or walk-up is included, you will not use this application type. Learn about Decks. |
| Demolition | Includes residential and non-residential buildings as well as accessory structures. Find Demolition requirements. |
| Designated structure | Includes communication or transmission tower, wind turbines for houses, retaining wall or shoring (more than 3 m high), or storage tanks (above or underground). |
| Detached garage, shed or gazebo | Visit our Accessory Structures page before constructing a new accessory building. |
| Foundation | Choose this option when constructing a foundation for a relocated, pre-occupied or pre-fabricated building. If you are constructing a New Building and require the foundation permit first, please apply for the New Construction of the building, and then request a partial permit for the foundation. |
| Mechanical (H.V.A.C.) | Select for HVAC roof top units, HVAC duct work, furnace, heating unit replacement, commercial cooking exhaust system, spray booth and dust collector, add on system, space heater, make-up air unit, exhaust fan or geothermal system. |
| New construction |
Choose New Construction-Residential when constructing a house, apartment building or motel/hotel. Choose New Construction-Non Residential when constructing a non-residential building. Choose New Construction-Production builder if the house plans have already been certified through the Certified Model Plans process and the house is part of a plan of subdivision. |
| Plumbing | Choose this for backflow preventer, holding tank (new installation or repair to existing) inside sanitary and storm piping (all buildings other than houses), manhole, catch basin, interceptor, sump pumps, outside water services (domestic & fire – all buildings other than houses), plumbing only and site services. |
| Public pool | Choose this if you are constructing or renovating a public pool. Public pool means a structure, basin, chamber or tank containing or intended to contain an artificial body of water for swimming, water sport, water recreation or entertaining, which the general public is admitted. For a private pool at your house view our Pools and Hot Tubs page. |
| Pool enclosure | To apply for a pool enclosure application visit the Engineering/Pool Enclosure section of Portal homepage. |
| Renewable energy |
Choose this if you are doing Solar Panels, or other renewable energy project. For Geothermal please apply under Mechanical. For wind turbines please apply under Designated Structure. |
| Sewage system | Choose this if you are converting from septic system to sewer, or for any new or repair to septic system. |
| Sign | Select when installing any fascia, ground, pylon, canopy, roof, projecting or billboard sign. Learn more about Oshawa sign requirements. |
| Temporary sign | Choose this when installing a temporary sign. Temporary signs include: Commercial Mobile signs, Sandwich board signs (downtown area only) Special Event Banner and signs associated with a temporary sales trailer. View temporary sign requirements. |
| Temporary structure tent | Select this option for a constructing or installing a temporary sales office or tent. |
| Certified Model Plan | Choose this if you are a developer with a Plan of Subdivision and wish to have your models certified. Learn about the Certified Model Plan (C.M.P.) application process. |
How long does it take to get a permit?
Our Building Permit Services staff are here to help guide you through the application process but cannot provide designer advice.
Building permit application processing depends upon:
Processing times for complete applications vary depending on the type of construction.
Incomplete applications are not subject to these timelines.
Applications are considered premature and will not be processed, where it is determined that the proposal requires:
The Ontario Building Code regulates the period within which a permit can be issued or refused. However, due to record breaking volume of applications, we cannot guarantee review timeframes will be met. Please account for this when applying for your building permit.
For most projects, you will require at a minimum the following:
View Developer specific information.
You may need to have an Architect, Professional Engineer, or a Designer who is qualified with a Building Code Identification Number (B.C.I.N.) to draw your plans.
All drawings for non-residential and multi-residential properties such as apartments and condominiums must be signed, sealed and dated by an architect, professional engineer and/or qualified designer.
You can now apply for building permits, check the status of applications and pay fees through our Application Portal.
Your project may require other approvals for your building permit application to be considered complete, for your building permit to be issued or for occupancy to be granted. To ensure your project is not delayed, please see the following information.
Before you start a new project, check the zoning of your property to find out if there are any restrictions on what you can build. Zoning Regulations include Height, Lot Coverage, set-backs, landscape open space requirements, etc.
Depending on the type of project you are working on and where your property is located there may be applicable law approvals needed before your building permit can be issued.
Complete the Applicable Law form and include with your building permit application.
Common examples of applicable law include:
All lands within the City of Oshawa are subject to the Site Alteration By-law. This by-law helps the City regulate grading activities within private land, such as removing or adding soil that may change a homeowner's land levels.
Changing your land surface or grade could interfere with the way water moves off your property. Water that cannot drain off correctly can cause problems for yourself or your neighbour.
Water and sanitary sewer connections
If your project is on a parcel of land which is not presently serviced, you will be required to obtain the appropriate permits from the Region of Durham for connection permits
If any part of your project requires a Storm Sewer connection, please contact Engineering Services.
If your project is on a parcel of land which is not able to be serviced, then you must provide a Well Water Certificate prepared by a licensed water well contractor.
Electrical, Gas, Telephone and other agency connections
The applicant is responsible for obtaining connection to electricity, gas, telephone or other agencies if the project requires these services.
Development around the Oshawa Executive Airport
Any construction around our Oshawa Executive Airport that will create an obstacle, such as a temporary crane or high structure is a hazard to aviation safety.
You will need clearance from the Oshawa Executive Airport before a building permit is issued.
Contact Service Oshawa if your project requires a curb to be cut or widened
Roadway restoration application fee (R.R.A.F.)
Your project may require a non-refundable Roadway Restoration Application Fee (R.R.A.F.), which you will be informed of once your permit application is reviewed by our staff.
The R.R.A.F. (where applicable) is the responsibility of the owner or owner’s authorized agent to complete the R.R.A.F. application form and pay the non-refundable fee, found in our General Fees and Charges By-law.
The R.R.A.F. is required prior to the issuance of a building permit for the erection, alteration, repair, or demolition of any structure on the specified lands. City staff complete inspections (before and after construction) and apply the fee paid against potential costs associated with repairing any damage to City Infrastructure (e.g. curbing, sidewalk, paved boulevard).
Once construction is complete and the building permit is closed, please contact Service Oshawa to request the final R.R.A.F. inspection to close your file.
For more information please review the Roadway Restoration By-Law
The total fee for your project will depend on the size, type and use of the structure or building. The exact cost of your permit will be calculated when you apply.
Permit fees (see page 16) for different projects are provided in our Building By-law.
We accept cash, cheque (payable to the City of Oshawa), debit, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Permit fees must be paid before a permit is issued.
Please note fee’s in excess of $10,000.00 are to be made by cheque.
Please note your project may require development charges. Please refer to development charges to learn more.
Contact Us
Service Oshawa
Oshawa City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7
Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: service@oshawa.ca
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